THE RECEIVER of Celtic Bookmakers, the company formerly controlled by Ivan Yates, yesterday closed 16 shops and made 56 staff redundant.

With two other shops having already ceased trading, this means that 29 Celtic outlets remain open and up for sale.

Some 44 expressions of interest have been received for the shops, including from Paddy Power, Boylesports and Ladbrokes.

Neil Hughes, of Hughes Blake, said that the closures were a “necessary move if we are maintain the viability of the majority of the shops in the network and protect the remaining jobs.

“With the offers received for the remaining outlets, I am now confident that it will be possible to safeguard the vast majority of the remaining jobs.”

About 175 staff are employed in the 29 betting shops that remain open for business.

All of the staff affected by yesterday’s closures will receive their full statutory entitlements.

Four of the shops that have closed are in Dublin – Dean Street, Dún Laoghaire, Blanchardstown and Phibsboro.

The other outlets to close are in Kilkenny; Cork city and Mallow; Limerick city and Dooradoyle; Carrick-on-Suir; Cashel in Tipperary; Listowel in Kerry; Sligo town; Ballina in Mayo; Tuam in Galway; and Roscommon town.

The 16 shops will close from today but reopen next week for one day to settle all bets.

It is not clear how much punters are owed.

Customers who are unable to make it to a shop for their refund can contact the receiver at the offices of Hughes Blake.

Celtic Bookmakers was placed into receivership this month, owing €6 million to AIB.

It was founded by Yates in 1987. The Newstalk radio presenter and former politician said he faced potential financial ruin from its collapse.